1990 XJS V12 5.3 has a leaking fuel pipe, mech says is left hand side upper one (he thinks it’s delivery rather than return). Any idea how to get this part and how hard it is to fix please?

also centre box needs replacing. I guess there’s just one on the car rather than one each side.

handbrake is disconnected on right side rear. He says these inboard ones are a complete pain to fix and doesn’t want to even attempt it.

both front upper suspension bushes need replacement. Says these are the ones seen in the engine bay. Is this an easy fix please?

power steering is intermittent at low speed. Reservoir looked low the other day but now showing above max (!?) any ideas please?

gutted to have so much wrong with her found in one day. Grateful for any help!

 

KILOCHARLIE,

Sorry to hear of your problems. Quick comments:

- Use the Jaguar website to see parts diagrams and part numbers: Once you've got the correct numbers, you can either purchase form Jaguar or one of the independents. See here:

Search Genuine Xjs (from (v)139052 Up To (v)179736) Parts For Jaguar Xjs Sports Coupe/convertible 1975 - 1996 Classic | Jaguar Land Rover Classic Parts

- There are 2 Centre Exhaust boxes. Again see the Parts website.

- Not sure what he means about the upper suspension bushes. The wishbone bushes are not visible in the engine bay. Maybe he means the top shock bush? Again, see Parts website.

Good luck

Paul

 

Good advice from Paul.
Tell your mechanic to pull the whole rear end assembly. I can do it on a hoist in about 45 minutes. But he should have it out in not much over an hour. Once sitting on a bench it’s extremely easy and fast to work on brakes ( time for new pads)?
Drive shaft bolts at differential. exhaust pipes. If Rusty tell him to just cut them out and replace with new. Highly recommend stainless steel. Disconnect parking brake. Plus brake line. Four nuts and bolts on rear frame hump on either . Side ( pull tires off ).
Use lift to put car almost on the ground with a floor jack underneath. In the Center of rear end. Before pulling the 4 bolts on each side. Use engine hoist to put up on bench.
Before putting it back in place order a set of remote bleeders ( Moss Motors, a great source of Jaguar parts.). Yep on line!
Grease all the nipples before putting it back in place. Hyper critical that the lower a arms get a real good shot of grease.

 

Kilocharlie . . .
FIrst things first: find a new mechanic. According to your post, the mechanic who looked at your car doesn't want to work on it, uses vague or misleading terminology, doesn't show you (with your head in the engine bay) what the problems are, and doesn't know Jaguars very well.

 

Hi,

If the front upper suspension bushes seen in the engine bay are the ones at the top of the shock absorbers, then this is an easy fix. I replaced mine without even taking the wheels off, just turn on full lock to gain access. Undo the nuts in the engine bay on top of the shocks, pull the shock absorber down, clamp with string then swap out the bushes. You might also want to change nuts and washers if corroded.

I'll let others more knowledgeable than me advise on the rear cage removal. However, if you do everything once it is out then you will probably never need to do anything to it again.

Good luck with it all.

Cheers,
LeeP

 

Thanks for the replies, that’s all great info. The website Paul sent was a godsend and allowed me to figure out part numbers. Thanks for that.

Yes I could certainly do with an upgrade in mechanic. I’ve sent him many a classic car over the years but he’s pretty much given up now and doesn’t want to get involved! He is cheap though and will do anything with a bit of nagging!

One thing he is adamant he won’t do though is the handbrake as he says they are inboard and a real pain. Even if he takes the rear off the car, is it that bad a job?

 

The fuel pipe I need CBC4941 seems to be impossible to find online. Every site says no longer available. Any idea where I could source please? I’m fine with used. Thanks again all.

edit: looking online some say you can just buy standard fuel line and replace it that way. Garage says he’s fine to do that. Any idea which fuel hose I would need please? I’m out of my depth! Many thanks.

 

Mechanic is right that fixing the inboard rear brakes is a pain. However, it's quite doable with the IRS in the car...not fun, but quite doable. You just need the right set of wrenches and a lot of patience. The worst part of the job is that once you've finished one side, you still have to do the other. I believe that it's on this forum that I posted a complete description of the job that I did. Unfortunately I didn't take pictures/photos of the work, but I'm sure that I described it in detail. Having the 4 post Backyard Buddy lift was great but working with your arms over your head for hours is its own special experience.

 

I’ve had excellent luck with Strandberg auto in Luck Wisconsin they have a whole yard full of Jaguars. Mostly XJS 1800448 5121 or 715 646 2388

 

KILOCHARLIE,

For a pipe like that, you don't need to go all the way to the USA! I'd suggest that you either get a length of metal fuel pipe and get it bent to match the original and use the original pipe fittings. Or else ring Andy Harvey at Just XJS in Derbyshire and explain what you're after and see if he's got a good condition used pipe that he can send you.

Paul